Fix MythTV 'Not Supported File Format' On Sony TV

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MythTV "Not Supported File Format" Error on Sony TV: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you encountering the frustrating "Not Supported File Format" error while trying to stream videos from your MythTV server (v35) to your Sony TV using the Allshare app? You're not alone! This issue has been plaguing users, especially those with older Sony TVs, and this guide aims to provide a deep dive into the problem, potential solutions, and troubleshooting steps. Let's get this sorted out, guys!

Understanding the Problem

The core issue arises from a mismatch in how MythTV v35 handles file formats and how older Sony TVs (like those from the 2011 era) interpret them through the Allshare DLNA app. The user initially reported this problem while browsing with the internal Allshare app on their Sony TV, encountering the error message when selecting any recording, regardless of whether it was new or old. This persistent issue, reproduced with every video file tried (over 20!), points to a deeper incompatibility rather than a simple file corruption or isolated incident.

The user's previous experience with MythTV versions (v33, v31, etc.) highlighted a workaround involving patching the mythtv/libs/libmythupnp/httprequest.cpp file. This patch, which changed the MIME type association for .ts files from video/mpeg to a more compatible format, effectively resolved the issue in older versions. However, this fix no longer works in v35, suggesting a more fundamental change in how MythTV handles file serving or how the Allshare app interprets the data.

To further isolate the problem, the user compared MythTV's behavior to that of MiniDLNA, another DLNA server. When MiniDLNA was pointed to the same recordings directory, videos played flawlessly on the Sony TV. This crucial test strongly indicates that the issue lies within MythTV's UPnP/DLNA server implementation in v35, specifically in how it presents file formats to the client device (the Sony TV).

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Diagnosing the "Not Supported File Format" Error

To effectively troubleshoot this error, let’s break down the diagnostic process into key areas:

1. Confirm the Issue

  • Reproducibility: First, rigorously confirm that the issue consistently occurs with all video files or specific file types. This helps rule out isolated incidents of file corruption.
  • Affected Devices: Identify whether the problem is specific to the Sony TV with Allshare or if it affects other DLNA-enabled devices on your network. If other devices play the videos without issue, it further points to a compatibility problem with the Sony TV's Allshare app.
  • MythTV Version: Ensure you are indeed running MythTV v35, as the reported issue is specific to this version. Verify the package version to rule out any inconsistencies.

2. Examine MythTV's UPnP/DLNA Configuration

  • Transcoding Settings: MythTV has transcoding options that convert video files into formats compatible with the client device. Investigate these settings to see if transcoding is enabled and if the selected profiles are causing issues. Try disabling transcoding or experimenting with different profiles to see if it resolves the error. It's possible that the default transcoding settings in v35 are not optimal for older Sony TVs.
  • MIME Types: While the old httprequest.cpp patch no longer works, it’s still worth examining MythTV's handling of MIME types. Check the MythTV configuration files or settings related to MIME types for video files, particularly .ts files, to ensure they are correctly configured. Incorrect MIME types can lead to the Allshare app misinterpreting the file format.
  • UPnP/DLNA Server Logs: Enable detailed logging for MythTV's UPnP/DLNA server component. These logs can provide valuable insights into the communication between MythTV and the Sony TV, including the file formats being advertised and any errors encountered during the streaming process. Look for any error messages or warnings related to file format negotiation or transcoding.

3. Compare with MiniDLNA

  • Configuration: Since MiniDLNA works correctly, compare its configuration with MythTV's UPnP/DLNA settings. Pay close attention to the advertised MIME types, supported protocols, and any device-specific settings. Identifying the differences might reveal the source of the incompatibility in MythTV.
  • Network Analysis: Use a network packet analyzer (like Wireshark) to capture the network traffic between the Sony TV and both MythTV and MiniDLNA. Compare the communication patterns, particularly the DLNA protocol exchanges, to see how each server advertises the video files and how the TV responds. This can pinpoint differences in the protocol negotiation or file format handling.

4. Investigate Sony TV's Allshare App

  • Firmware Updates: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your Sony TV. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and improvements to DLNA compatibility. While unlikely, it’s possible that a recent update on the TV side has introduced an incompatibility with MythTV v35.
  • Allshare Settings: Explore the settings within the Allshare app on your Sony TV. There might be options related to supported file formats, transcoding preferences, or network settings that could be influencing the playback. Experiment with these settings to see if any changes resolve the error.

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Potential Solutions and Workarounds

Based on the diagnosis, here are several potential solutions and workarounds you can try:

1. Revisit MIME Type Configuration in MythTV

Even though the old patch doesn't work, the underlying principle might still be relevant. MythTV might be serving the wrong MIME type for .ts files, confusing the Sony TV. Dig into MythTV's configuration files (likely in /etc/mythtv/ or similar) and look for sections related to MIME types or UPnP/DLNA. Ensure that .ts files are associated with a suitable MPEG transport stream MIME type, such as video/ts or video/vnd.dlna.mpeg-tts. You may need to experiment to find the correct one.

2. Adjust Transcoding Profiles

As mentioned earlier, transcoding plays a crucial role. Create a custom transcoding profile specifically for your Sony TV. This allows fine-tuning of the video and audio codecs, resolution, and bitrate. Start with a profile that uses common codecs like H.264 for video and AAC or MP3 for audio. Lowering the resolution and bitrate can also improve compatibility, especially for older TVs. Ensure the profile is enabled for DLNA streaming.

3. Explore MythTV's UPnP/DLNA Server Options

MythTV's UPnP/DLNA server might have advanced options that could influence compatibility. Look for settings related to DLNA profiles, device-specific configurations, or protocol versions. Experiment with these options, carefully documenting any changes, to see if they resolve the issue.

4. Consider Using an External Transcoder

If MythTV's built-in transcoding isn't cutting it, consider using an external transcoder like FFmpeg. You can set up a script that automatically transcodes recordings into a compatible format before they are served via DLNA. This adds complexity but gives you full control over the transcoding process.

5. Investigate Alternative DLNA Servers

The fact that MiniDLNA works flawlessly suggests the problem is specific to MythTV's implementation. While a long-term solution involves fixing MythTV, a temporary workaround might be to use MiniDLNA or another DLNA server (like Plex or Emby) alongside MythTV, solely for serving video content to your Sony TV. This would require configuring MythTV to store recordings in a location accessible to the alternative DLNA server.

6. Patching MythTV (Advanced)

If you are comfortable with compiling software, you could attempt to patch MythTV's source code. Analyze the changes between v33 and v35 in the UPnP/DLNA server component to identify the cause of the incompatibility. This requires significant technical expertise and carries the risk of introducing instability. However, if successful, it's the most direct path to a permanent fix. You would likely need to examine the code related to MIME type handling, file serving, and DLNA protocol negotiation.

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Long-Term Solutions and Community Involvement

While the workarounds mentioned above can provide immediate relief, the ideal solution is to fix the underlying issue in MythTV. This requires community involvement and collaboration.

1. Report the Bug to MythTV Developers

The user's initial report is a good start, but it's crucial to provide detailed information to the MythTV developers. This includes:

  • Precise steps to reproduce the bug.
  • The exact error message.
  • Your system configuration (Ubuntu 22.04, MythTV version, etc.).
  • Network setup details.
  • Results of the diagnostic steps outlined earlier.
  • Any relevant logs (MythTV server logs, network captures).

The more information you provide, the easier it will be for developers to understand and fix the problem.

2. Engage with the MythTV Community

Post your findings on the MythTV forums, mailing lists, or IRC channels. Other users might have encountered the same issue and found solutions or workarounds. Collaboration can accelerate the debugging process and lead to a faster resolution.

3. Contribute to MythTV Development

If you have the technical skills, consider contributing to MythTV's development. This could involve:

  • Analyzing the source code to identify the bug.
  • Developing a patch to fix the issue.
  • Testing patches submitted by others.

Contributing to open-source projects like MythTV is a rewarding way to give back to the community and ensure the software continues to improve.

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Conclusion

The "Not Supported File Format" error on Sony TVs with MythTV v35 can be a real headache, but by systematically diagnosing the problem and exploring potential solutions, you can often find a way to get your videos playing again. Remember to involve the MythTV community and report your findings to the developers to ensure a permanent fix is implemented. Don't give up, guys – we'll get this sorted!

This comprehensive guide has covered everything from understanding the problem and diagnosing it to implementing workarounds and contributing to long-term solutions. By following these steps, you can conquer this frustrating error and enjoy seamless video streaming from your MythTV server to your Sony TV. And remember, sharing your experiences and findings with the community helps everyone!

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